Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales said sorry this week after the Magpies a standard seat in the Gallowgate End soared to £763.
After the club’s own Fan Advisory Board protested to Eales about a 5% rise in season ticket prices the Football Supporter Assocation, funded by both the FA and the Premier League, threw their weight behind the argument. An FSA statement read: “This third successive year of price increases for Newcastle United season ticket holders means that a standard seat in St James’ Park’s Gallowgate – £763 – end is now more expensive than all but six blocks of Anfield’s Kop.”
The Fan Advisory Board, Newcastle United Supporters Trust, Newcastle United Supporters Club, United With Pride, Wor Flags, True Faith, Black and White Army and the London Mags have all confronted the club about the price hike. A statement read this week: “We are incredibly disappointed by this news of another 5% increase,” they said.
“The club was already benefiting from approximately 10,000 season tickets increasing upwards of 60%, they did not need to add this on top of this.
“People will sacrifice things in their lives to prioritise supporting their team and the club are exploiting this.”
As season ticket renewal packs landed, Eales said: “I want to acknowledge the club’s Fan Advisory Board members for their clear feedback. I am sorry that this is not the universal price freeze you asked for, but I hope you understand why this is a decision we must take after careful consideration.
“I thank all of you sincerely for your continued support and hope as many season ticket holders as possible will join us for another exciting season.”
Those hit hardest by the price rises at Newcastle were fans on the 10-year price freeze deals issued under Mike Ashley. The FAB said: “We unanimously reject the decision by the club to raise adult season ticket prices by 5% for the third consecutive season,” the FAB said.
“Against the backdrop of the long-term deal ending, and the announcement made by the club earlier this week regarding improved financial performance for the year to 30 June 2024, we reject the choice made by the club to increase the cost of all adult season tickets by a further 5%.
“Our position remains that there should be no further increases on top of the end of the long-term freeze.
“We are hugely disappointed and request full consultation on all other ticketing decisions. This includes, individual match tickets, cup scheme and memberships.”
Brentford, Liverpool, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers have all issued price freezes for next season.
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